My main fabric inspiration is this small piece of bright, multicolored 'madras' (?) linen David found in Japan. I also purchased some gorgeous blue linen and some brights, plus plenty of bright white muslin, at Quilted Threads in Henniker NH - a new shop to me and about an hour's drive away.
It really is a fantastic shop and I was nearly giddy walking all through it - and I took some photos hoping to share them here but.... oooooo.... I was roundly chastised for taking photos.... ooops... embarrassing... but take my word for it, if you are within any driving distance - it's a great shop and I'm glad to add it to my route as a "semi" local quilt shop.
The shops I frequent regularly are: the folky classic Quilted Crow in Bolton MA (where I am always sure to find a great selection of repros and have enjoyed classes through the years) and the quaint and colorful Cobblestone Quilts in Townsend MA (where I am now teaching sashiko classes). I know a lot of folks shop online now, but I dearly love visiting shops in person and really seeing the fabrics, often picking up bits and pieces to add to my stash, sometimes the unexpected and very rarely shopping "from a line" - I hope all three of these shops are around for a long long time to come.
Back to Antebellum Album...
The first block is Wandering Lover - so sweet for Valentine's Day...
In the sewing room, I've been listening to Anne of Green Gables - performed so delightfully by Rachel McAdams. Anne would love the name of this month's block - Wandering Lover.
xo
Cynthia
Oh good for you! I am planning on following along, but have yet to choose my fabrics for the first block! My excuse is that I am thinking of reducing the blocks to 6" and I want to wait and see how complicated they get before I make my final decision. But I could just as easily use any excuse!! I LOVE your fabric choices. You must be so thankful that David knows your taste when he finds such treasures in Japan. And thank you for the quilt shop list. It is fun to visit different shops especially with a friend!
ReplyDeleteOh, your block is so pretty. I am not joining in the SAL, but I do learn much from her posts.
ReplyDeleteI have been to Quilted Threads! When my daughter lived in NH for a few years another blogger recommended we check it out. I recall everything about that lovely shop, and the lunch we had afterward at a nearby restaurant with a beautiful view of the river. :)
May have reason later this year to be in MA. Will keep your shop recommendations in mind!
Oh I do love your fabrics!
ReplyDeleteLove the bright colors your working with in this SAL. It will be a lovely departure from the usual repro fabrics.
ReplyDeletedoing mine in browns/pinks repro fabrics...and i love the quilted crow..nice shop!
ReplyDeleteLove that "madras" linen fabric! Thanks for the suggestion re: Anne of Green Gables; I'm in need of a new audiobook.
ReplyDeleteYour fabric combination is drool worthy! Love how the dots keep it from getting too serious. And now I'll have to add those shops to my 'oneday I'll get there' list! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYour Antebellum block is beautiful with these fabrics ! I'm in too. 😊
ReplyDeleteWow. I am looking forward to watching this quilt progress! the colors are fantastic indeed. maybe I will take another look at the Antebellum BOM. I am inspired.
ReplyDelete